My dog Snoop had a small lump which grew under his skin over the “wrist” of his right front paw. It started around November last year and at the time, the vet said that it could be an accumulation of fluid and that surgery should be avoided if not necessary. This held true as the lump did not cause him pain, or change his gait or behaviour. Neither was he licking at it constantly.
We left it as it is even though the lump did grow in size very slowly. And the vet had checked it out superficially a couple of times since then. It eventually got to a point where it’s the size of a golf ball so I got the vet to look at it once more on the weekend. This time the vet suggested that we remove the lump, and scheduled Snoop in for surgery this morning.
I received a call from the vet this evening and the prognosis was not as bad as I thought. In summary:
- the removal left quite a gaping wound because there wasn’t much skin available to be stretched across it. A daily dressing change may be required for a while.
- a small nerve affecting one of his claws was removed in the process but it shouldn’t affect his movements much.
- Most of the lump was cut out; parts of it were too close to muscle. It was sent to the Murdoch Veterinary Hospital for analysis. If it’s benign, then we would monitor it. If it’s cancerous, possible amputation of the paw may be required.
Worst come to worst? He loses a paw but he lives. I’m not that shook up over it. I’ve seen dogs with three legs. I’ve even seen a dog with two legs walking upright!
Snoop will remain at the clinic till at least the end of the week. I’m already feeling a gap at home without him running around; restless like I should be doing something.
Though the big difference between this and the last time he was hospitalised when he was hit by a car, is that I’ve now got pet insurance to cover the bills.
So yeah, perspective as always is important. 
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17 Responses to “Snoop the dog has surgery”
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May 23 2007 / 9:56 am
Yeah, it’s amazing just how much pets can affect your life, isn’t it? Just a few days without your dog and you already feel like something is kinda missing! You hear stories about people that go into a mild depression when their animal dies, and I can understand why; it’s a big loss! I wish all the best of luck to Snoop but I’m sure he’ll be fine and that he’s a brave dog!
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May 23 2007 / 10:22 am
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May 23 2007 / 1:57 pm
Take Care Snoop!
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May 23 2007 / 4:18 pm
I didn’t know there was such a thing as a pet insurance. Anyway, wish you and Snoop all the best.
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May 23 2007 / 5:27 pm
Get well soon Snoop!
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May 23 2007 / 6:16 pm
On behalf of Snoop, I thank you all!
10/3: Pet insurance is like medical insurance for pets. It’s certainly worth the money.
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May 23 2007 / 6:51 pm
hey i saw your mom at ur uncle’s shop in broadway today!
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May 23 2007 / 7:14 pm
I hope he’s okay. It would be a weird experience for a dog to be put under anesthetic and wake up and find it’s missing a paw.
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May 23 2007 / 8:58 pm
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May 24 2007 / 4:25 pm
my own childhood furry pal buddy had three legs (only) for most of his life, and he managed it just fine, if it does come to that with snoop! dogs cope very well without the usual four.
i used to refer to him as ‘the tripod’. it was funny, it had to be amputated when he was a puppy and over the rest of his fifteen year life his remaining front leg seemed to deviate to the centre of his body to support him … hence, tripod.
but i hope all is okay, in any case!
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May 24 2007 / 4:43 pm
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May 25 2007 / 1:26 am
hey, give Snoop a little hug for me ya? he’s a brave boy… i’m sure he’ll be fine… =)
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May 25 2007 / 7:46 am
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